8 Hour Intro to Salmon Fishing – North Bend Inshore
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour beginnerfriendly salmon fishing course with handson instructionAll premium gear and tackle provided, no fishing license requiredTarget Chinook, Coho, Pink and Sockeye salmon in North Bend waters
Never held a fishing rod before? No problem. This top-rated 8-hour salmon fishing experience gets beginners hooked on one of the Pacific Northwest's best fishing adventures. We push off from North Bend at first light and spend the day on productive inshore waters where salmon congregate. Your guide walks you through every step – from rigging tackle to landing fish – while you're actually fishing. It's hands-on learning at its best, and you don't need any experience to have a blast out there.
Your day starts at 7:00 AM sharp when we launch from North Bend and motor out to proven salmon grounds just offshore. These inshore waters are perfect for learning because they're protected from big swells, yet they hold plenty of fish. Your guide sets you up with premium rods and reels, then shows you how everything works while we're already fishing. You'll learn to read your rod tip for subtle bites, understand when to set the hook, and master the art of playing a fish without losing it. We cover bait selection, lure presentation, and proper fish handling techniques. The pace stays comfortable – this isn't a race. We want you to absorb the fundamentals while actually catching salmon. All gear is provided, including safety equipment, and you're covered under our guide's state fishing license so there's no need to purchase your own. The boat accommodates two guests in the base rate, but we can take up to six total for $100 per additional angler.
We fish with medium-heavy salmon rods paired with quality reels that can handle the fight these fish put up. Your guide rigs everything from downriggers to trolling setups, explaining each piece of equipment as we go. You'll learn about different bait options – herring, anchovies, and various lures – and when to use each one based on conditions and target species. We cover trolling fundamentals, including speed control and depth management. The guide demonstrates proper netting techniques so you can safely land your fish without losing them at the boat. You'll also pick up essential skills like knot tying, hook setting, and reading fish finder electronics. These inshore waters let us use a variety of methods depending on what's working best. Some days we troll with downriggers, other times we drift fish or cast lures near structure. Your guide adapts the approach to maximize your learning while keeping fish coming to the boat.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of the Pacific, and North Bend's inshore waters hold some beauties. These powerful fish average 15-30 pounds but can push much larger. Chinook bite year-round with peak action in summer and fall. They fight hard with long runs and head shakes that'll test your skills. Landing your first king salmon is a milestone every angler remembers. These fish prefer deeper water and structure, making them perfect targets for learning downrigger techniques.
Coho Salmon bring the acrobatics to your fishing day. Silvers, as locals call them, jump repeatedly when hooked and make blistering runs that strip line fast. They typically range 8-15 pounds and are abundant in summer through early fall. Coho often feed near the surface, giving you chances to see them chase your lure before striking. They're aggressive biters that help build confidence in new anglers. Their fighting style teaches you to keep steady pressure while letting the fish tire itself out.
Pink Salmon show up in huge numbers during odd-numbered years, creating world-class fishing opportunities. These smaller salmon, usually 3-6 pounds, make up for their size with sheer numbers and willingness to bite. They're perfect for beginners because they're not intimidating to handle, yet they provide plenty of action. Pinks typically run from late July through September, turning the inshore waters into a salmon highway. You'll often catch multiple species in the same area during peak season.
Sockeye Salmon are the table fare champions, prized for their rich, red meat and excellent flavor. These fish average 6-10 pounds and fight with surprising strength for their size. Sockeye runs are more timing-dependent than other species, but when they're around, the fishing can be fast and furious. They prefer specific bait presentations and water temperatures, giving you a chance to learn more finicky fishing techniques. Successfully targeting sockeye teaches patience and precision that applies to all salmon fishing.
This intro salmon fishing trip delivers exactly what new anglers need – real fishing experience combined with patient instruction from a seasoned guide. You'll leave with fundamental skills, confidence on the water, and hopefully some fresh salmon for dinner. The North Bend inshore fishery offers consistent action and comfortable conditions perfect for learning. Whether you catch your first salmon or add new techniques to your arsenal, this customer favorite trip sets you up for a lifetime of Pacific Northwest fishing adventures. Book your spot with Outdoor Obsession Guide Service and discover why salmon fishing keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Your fishing platform for this North Bend salmon adventure is a well-equipped motorboat built for inshore waters. With space for just two anglers, you'll have plenty of room to practice casting techniques and learn proper rod handling without feeling crowded. The boat's design handles the coastal swells smoothly while your guide positions you over productive salmon grounds. All the premium fishing gear stays organized and accessible, from the tackle boxes to the landing nets. The covered areas keep you comfortable during longer drifts, and the reliable engine gets you to the fishing zones efficiently. Whether you're working the depths for Chinook or targeting Coho in shallower water, this boat gives you a stable platform to focus on learning the fundamentals without worrying about your footing or gear storage.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook are the kings for good reason - these bruisers average 15-20 pounds but can push 30-plus. They're light-sensitive fish that hug the bottom during daylight, so we fish deeper water with downriggers and weighted lines. Black mouth and gums make them easy to identify, along with spots covering their entire tail fin. Early morning and evening bites are prime, especially during their summer runs. What makes kings special is that deep, powerful fight - no jumping, just sustained bulldogging runs that test your drag system. The rich, fatty meat is restaurant-quality. Pro tip: fresh herring fished near structure in 80-150 feet works magic. Keep your bait moving naturally with the current, and be ready for that subtle tap-tap before they load up your rod.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho, or silver salmon, are the acrobats of the salmon world - expect jumps up to 6 feet and serious line-peeling runs. These 8-12 pound fighters stay bright silver in saltwater with that distinctive white mouth. We target them in 30-100 feet of water around structure and current breaks where baitfish gather. Peak season runs late summer through fall when they're staging before their spawning runs. What guests love about coho is the combination of aggressive strikes and aerial shows - they'll leap clear out of the water multiple times. The orange-red meat is top quality eating too. Here's a local tip: when they're being finicky, try a bright chartreuse or pink spoon worked just above the thermocline. Their competitive nature often triggers strikes.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPink salmon are the smallest Pacific salmon, usually running 3-5 pounds with that distinctive hump on their backs during spawning. These silver beauties show up in odd-numbered years around here, making them a special seasonal target. They love cold inshore waters and aren't too picky about depth - we find them anywhere from 20 to 80 feet. What makes pinks great for beginners is they're eager biters and don't require heavy tackle. The meat has that classic salmon pink color from all the crustaceans they eat. My go-to trick? Pink hoochies work like magic - seems obvious, but matching their name really pays off. They school up tight, so when you find one, there's usually more around.
Oncorhynchus NerkaSockeye are the premium eating salmon with that deep red meat and rich flavor that commands top dollar at markets. These 4-8 pound fish run silver in the ocean but turn brilliant red with green heads during spawning. They're tricky to catch because they primarily feed on plankton, making them less aggressive toward typical salmon baits. We target them May through September in schools along migration routes, usually 40-120 feet deep. What makes sockeye special is the combination of strong fighting ability and unmatched table quality - that firm, oily flesh is perfect for grilling. Since they're plankton feeders, small colorful flies and tiny spoons work best. The key trick is fishing right at their mouth level as they swim in tight formations with mouths opening and closing.
Coos Bay, OR